In Campania faith is part of the landscape: sanctuaries on mountain tops, churches full of art in the cities, processions winding through the villages. Whether you are a pilgrim or simply curious about traditions and architecture, religious tourism is a deep way to get to know the region. Here are the places and moments we recommend.
The great sanctuaries
- Pompeii: next to the archaeological site stands the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary, visited by millions of pilgrims. See our page on Pompeii.
- Pietrelcina, in Sannio, is the birthplace of Saint Pio. The village preserves his birth house and the places of his youth: read Pietrelcina, the places of Saint Pio.
- Montevergine, above Mercogliano, is a high-altitude Marian sanctuary and the destination of a much-loved pilgrimage.
Abbeys and charterhouses
The Charterhouse of San Lorenzo in Padula, a UNESCO site, is one of the largest in Europe, with a vast cloister. In Cava de' Tirreni the Abbey of the Holy Trinity holds centuries of Benedictine history. In Irpinia, the Goleto abbey near Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi is a place of great peace.
Cities of sacred art
Naples has hundreds of churches: from the Cathedral, with the cult of Saint Januarius, to the Santa Chiara complex and the catacombs. Read more in Naples, churches and basilicas. Salerno, whose Cathedral holds the relics of Saint Matthew, and Amalfi, with the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, are also well worth a visit.
Festivals and processions
Patron saint festivals are when faith becomes a community celebration: illuminations, bands, fireworks, statues carried in procession. Some are famous, like the Festa dei Gigli in Nola, recognised by UNESCO. Many others are discovered village by village: check our events calendar.
Visiting tips
- Dress appropriately in places of worship and respect the times of services.
- During major festivals villages fill up: book accommodation early.
- Many sanctuaries have dedicated offices for parish groups.
